SMOKEY SAYS, . . .BE PREPARED
02-05-2016
Author: in RVing Ruminations by Russel
So I am hours into driving, with hours more to go, going east across the Mojave Desert where there is a whole lot of nothing between anything and anything you do come to isn't much of anything. None the less I was happy to pull over at the little gas station quick stop, hopefully to find something very cold to drink. I parked about fifty feet in front of the store barely off the curb, and went inside, taking my time to collect snacks and a cold drink, in order to enjoy the air conditioning. I paid and as I stepped back out into the sweltering heat, I saw a small whiff of what I thought was steam coming up around the hood of the truck. Oh rats, I thought, I should have left it running! Hastily throwing my stuff in the front seat, I popped the hood. To my surprise, it wasn't steam pouring off the engine, but smoke! And worse yet there were also small orange flames!!
I had only had this happen once before, many many years previously to a very old beater station wagon. That one I had managed to quell by throwing dirt on it, since that was the only thing I had available then. This time, I was much more prepared and quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher that I knew the location of exactly behind the driver’s seat. A few heart thumping minutes later I had the fire out. And luckily it had not done enough damage that a few minutes later the truck started again and there was no obvious cause so I took a calculated risk and kept on driving. Not much choice, since there were no mechanics there and (back in the day before cell phones) it was doubtful the store even had a phone. I was lucky and made it to the next town.
I told this story to bring up the obvious point of the importance of having a fire extinguisher readily available. A couple of very important things about that: You need to know EXACTLY where that and any other extinguishers are, AND you need to know how they work. They are all pretty standard, pull the pin, point and squeeze the handle. If there is a fire, you do not want to be rummaging around trying to find it or reading directions on how to make it work. All concerned should know these two things well.
Many of us that have seen vehicle fires, including those in RV's, can tell you how fast and totally, especially RV's and travel trailers can become completely enveloped. It is not a pretty sight.
Any vehicle that moves should have at least one extinguisher. There should be several inside of RV's..Three at a minimum. One should be in the obvious logical spots, near the stove in the kitchen and near the electrical breaker box. Another in each sleeping area and one near each door.
There are a number of different types of extinguishers. Each is designed for different types of fires. I will not go into detail about those here, but before investing in extinguishers, one should familiarize one's self with the various types and purchase according to individual needs. A good place to start is HERE.
Any type you have should be checked to make sure they are still charged at least once a year. There is usually a gauge that advises as to readiness on the extinguisher itself .
Now a days, thankfully, we don't have to just watch for the sight or smell of smoke—that is what well maintained smoke detectors do for us. BUT ONLY if they are checked at least once, and twice is even better, a year to make sure they are functioning. Placement of these too, is crucial. If you are installing these yourself, I would advise reading up on them and how they function and/or visiting a local fire station for advice.
Now some additional tips for RVers that occasionally or regularly “boon-dock” it. That is camp self contained in forests or other natural areas. In many such areas, these three pieces of equipment are required, not just suggested. A shovel, a bucket and an ax. I don't have any great war stories (thank goodness) to tell about fires in those situations but especially with wild fires becoming the norm in some parts of the country these days, I would encourage everyone to consider those essentials. But GET TOOLS, NOT TOYS. A little shovel that is fun for playing in the sand at the beach is of little use if you are trying to throw dirt on errant sparks from a campfire. A toy hatchet that looks cool hanging from your belt isn't going to be much help if you are trying to remove an obstructing tree in the road while (heaven forbid) you are fleeing from a wild fire. A beach pail isn't going to scoop much water out of the near by creek if you need it. There are many collapsible canvas buckets in many sizes available. One can find many uses especially if boon-docking.
Just remember, there are many times when even a 911 call will not be able to get to you quick enough. Never endanger yourself or others trying to save property—it is replaceable—you aren't!
Many of you no doubt have your own stories and recommendations about these essential to all RVer equipment. Please share them with others by leaving a comment in the space provided – it's free and who knows, it may even help save a life!
So until next time, walk in beauty and keep it between the ditches,
Russel
I had only had this happen once before, many many years previously to a very old beater station wagon. That one I had managed to quell by throwing dirt on it, since that was the only thing I had available then. This time, I was much more prepared and quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher that I knew the location of exactly behind the driver’s seat. A few heart thumping minutes later I had the fire out. And luckily it had not done enough damage that a few minutes later the truck started again and there was no obvious cause so I took a calculated risk and kept on driving. Not much choice, since there were no mechanics there and (back in the day before cell phones) it was doubtful the store even had a phone. I was lucky and made it to the next town.
I told this story to bring up the obvious point of the importance of having a fire extinguisher readily available. A couple of very important things about that: You need to know EXACTLY where that and any other extinguishers are, AND you need to know how they work. They are all pretty standard, pull the pin, point and squeeze the handle. If there is a fire, you do not want to be rummaging around trying to find it or reading directions on how to make it work. All concerned should know these two things well.
Many of us that have seen vehicle fires, including those in RV's, can tell you how fast and totally, especially RV's and travel trailers can become completely enveloped. It is not a pretty sight.
Any vehicle that moves should have at least one extinguisher. There should be several inside of RV's..Three at a minimum. One should be in the obvious logical spots, near the stove in the kitchen and near the electrical breaker box. Another in each sleeping area and one near each door.
There are a number of different types of extinguishers. Each is designed for different types of fires. I will not go into detail about those here, but before investing in extinguishers, one should familiarize one's self with the various types and purchase according to individual needs. A good place to start is HERE.
Any type you have should be checked to make sure they are still charged at least once a year. There is usually a gauge that advises as to readiness on the extinguisher itself .
Now a days, thankfully, we don't have to just watch for the sight or smell of smoke—that is what well maintained smoke detectors do for us. BUT ONLY if they are checked at least once, and twice is even better, a year to make sure they are functioning. Placement of these too, is crucial. If you are installing these yourself, I would advise reading up on them and how they function and/or visiting a local fire station for advice.
Now some additional tips for RVers that occasionally or regularly “boon-dock” it. That is camp self contained in forests or other natural areas. In many such areas, these three pieces of equipment are required, not just suggested. A shovel, a bucket and an ax. I don't have any great war stories (thank goodness) to tell about fires in those situations but especially with wild fires becoming the norm in some parts of the country these days, I would encourage everyone to consider those essentials. But GET TOOLS, NOT TOYS. A little shovel that is fun for playing in the sand at the beach is of little use if you are trying to throw dirt on errant sparks from a campfire. A toy hatchet that looks cool hanging from your belt isn't going to be much help if you are trying to remove an obstructing tree in the road while (heaven forbid) you are fleeing from a wild fire. A beach pail isn't going to scoop much water out of the near by creek if you need it. There are many collapsible canvas buckets in many sizes available. One can find many uses especially if boon-docking.
Just remember, there are many times when even a 911 call will not be able to get to you quick enough. Never endanger yourself or others trying to save property—it is replaceable—you aren't!
Many of you no doubt have your own stories and recommendations about these essential to all RVer equipment. Please share them with others by leaving a comment in the space provided – it's free and who knows, it may even help save a life!
So until next time, walk in beauty and keep it between the ditches,
Russel
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Author: Russel Micnhimer
